IEA Hosts "Cyber Safety" Conference In Springfield; Educators Discuss Protecting Children in Cyberspace

12/5/2002

From: George King of the Illinois Education Association, 217-544-0706

News Advisory:

Recent research shows that 45 million American children have access to the Internet, which is why the largest education employees' organization in Illinois is sponsoring a conference designed to help educators protect children from inappropriate material found in cyberspace.

The School Cyber Safety Conference, sponsored by the 115,000-member Illinois Education Association (IEA), will present the latest data on the dangers posed to innocent children by computer predators and those who distribute inappropriate material to children via the Internet. The conference will be held tomorrow, Dec. 6 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Ballrooms C & D of the Renaissance Hotel in Springfield.

IEA President Anne Davis said the conference is consistent with her organization's commitment to deliver useful and relevant professional development services to the educational community.

"This conference not only focuses on an exceedingly important topic but it is extremely timely," Davis said.

"Just this week, legislation was signed into law that is designed to protect innocent individuals from dangerous and exploitive circumstances directly related to the Internet. Educators need this information to help children."

Speakers at the event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel include:

-- Peter Banks, Director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Washington, DC -- Special Agent Luke Humphrey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation -- Lt. Col. Mike Snyders, Illinois State Police -- Chief Keith Chval, Office of the Illinois Attorney General

"Attendees will leave this conference with a greater understanding of the nation's cyber safety problem and with ideas and tools that will allow school staff and students to utilize the Internet without becoming victims," Davis said.